Prairie Guardians Community Solar
Empowering Our Community, Protecting Our Land
Welcome to Prairie Guardians, a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable solutions for Illinois families. We are excited to offer you the opportunity to join our new community solar project, an innovative approach that combines clean energy with environmental stewardship.
Why Community Solar?
Community solar is an easy way to save money on your electric bill without having to install solar panels on your own home. By subscribing to our project, you’re using a share of the electricity generated by our solar farm. In return, you’ll receive credits on your regular electric bill, which can reduce your monthly costs by up to 50%.
Our Unique Project: Agrivoltaics with a Purpose
This isn’t just a solar farm; it’s a living landscape designed to benefit both people and the planet. Our project combines two powerful ideas:
* Agrivoltaics: We will use the land beneath and between the solar panels for agricultural purposes, such as grazing or crop production, to ensure we are making the most efficient use of the land.
* Prairie Grass Strips: We will plant native prairie grasses in strategic strips throughout the site. These deep-rooted plants are incredibly effective at preventing farm runoff and pollution, helping to protect our precious soil and water resources.
By subscribing, you are supporting a project that provides clean energy, saves you money, and actively works to restore Illinois’ natural heritage.
How the Process Works
The journey to a greener future can take some time, and we want to be completely transparent with you.
* Sign-Up: You subscribe to our project by submitting the reservation form below. It is free to sign up but we have limited spots. There are no fees ever. You will get a notice when our project goes online and you will need to confirm your subscription again at that point. You will get your bill as you normally do from Ameren but you will be at a rate 50% lower than normal. For this project you must be a resident of the Bloomington/Normal area and an Ameren customer
* Illinois Solar For All Review: We will submit our project to the Illinois Solar For All program for approval. This is a comprehensive process that ensures all projects meet state standards for consumer protection and sustainability.
* Construction & Connection: Once approved, we will begin construction. This phase can take a year or more, depending on various factors like weather and utility connections.
* Credits Begin: When the project is online and generating electricity, you will begin to receive credits on your electric bill, and your savings will start. We will notify you every step of the way.
Protecting You: Our Commitment to Transparency
We are a nonprofit organization and our mission is to serve the community, especially lower-income families. We are committed to your consumer protection throughout this process.
* Illinois Solar For All Oversight: Our project is registered with the Illinois Solar For All program, which has a dedicated consumer protection team. The program requires strict adherence to ethical and transparent business practices.
* Clear Contracts: You will receive a clear and easy-to-understand contract and disclosure form that outlines all terms, savings estimates, and your rights as a subscriber.
* No Hidden Fees: To reserve a spot is free. To subscribe is free. There are no costs to you the consumer. The only requirement is an income verification.
* Assistance for Lower-Income Families: This project is being designed to be accessible. We are actively working to ensure this opportunity reaches and benefits those who need it most.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join the Prairie Guardians community and become a part of a project that is revolutionizing how we produce energy and care for our land.
After submission, you will receive a confirmation email with more details about the project and your subscription. For questions, please contact us at prairieguardians@gmail.com.
Additional Information for Consumers:
* Your Rights: As a participant in an Illinois Solar For All community solar project, you have rights. You can find more information and file a complaint with the Illinois Solar For All Consumer Protection team at Illinois Solar For All Consumer Protection.
* About Prairie Guardians: We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Learn more about our mission to protect and restore Illinois’ ecosystems at About Us.